Mary E. Harris 1924 - 2012 WILBRAHAM - Mary (Evans) Harris of Wilbraham, Massachusetts, died peacefully Friday, December 14, 2012, after a brief period of declining health. She is survived by her daughter Deborah Wallace, son-in-law Armond Urbano, son Whitney Harris, daughter-in-law Martha Harris, grandson, Andrew Harris, granddaughter Alicia Harris, granddaughter-in-law Monique Harris, step granddaughter Alissa Urbano, brother James Bart Evans and his wife Lois and their children Erin and Ian. Mary was predeceased by her husband, Alvah (Buckie) Harris, her loving daughter Penelope Harris and her brother J. Whitney Evans. Mary was born in Baltimore, Maryland on June 23, 1924, the first child of Joseph Whitney Evans and Mary (Coulter) Evans. She and Buckie were married in 1945 and lived in Nebraska, where Mary studied pre-med at the University of Nebraska, then briefly in Texas and Marblehead, Massachusetts before moving to Wilbraham in 1954. She took pride in her family's heritage and was a member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. An avid reader and gifted dog and horse enthusiast, Mary was well known and respected in many community organizations. She served as District Commissioner and National Committee member of the US Pony Club, Treasurer and Advisory Board member for Hampden County 4-H and on the Board of Directors of the Hampden County Improvement League. Mary was dedicated to the training and placement of service and police dogs around the country and founded a local chapter of Schutzhund. Mary was happiest when surrounded by her Borszoi, her German Shepherds, her countless cats and her friends who shared her appreciation for the mutual benefits of the human-animal bond. Her enthusiasm and wit will be missed by all who knew her. A private memorial will be held at the family's convenience. Wilbraham Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Donations in Mary's memory can be made to the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc., 103 Vision Way, Bloomfield, CT 06002 or online at www.fidelco.org.